Film Review: Hotel Transylvania – best animated movie of the year
The kids and I saw an early screening of Hotel Transylvania (Sony Pictures Animation) last weekend. We loved it. Hotel Transylvania is the best animated movie I’ve seen this year. It was entertaining and funny. In my opinion, the whole family will enjoy this film. And even though the main characters are monsters, the film isn’t scary — my kids (ages seven and nine) didn’t flinch once. Hotel Transylvania opens in theaters today.
The 411 for Hotel Transylvania
| The story | A human shows up at Hotel Transylvania, which is an exclusive castle for monsters |
| Appropriateness for children | It’s fine for kids. There isn’t any violence or bad language, but there is a little bathroom humor. |
| Positives |
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| Negative |
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| Release date | September 28, 2012 |
| Rating | Rated PG for some rude humor, action and scary images |
| Runtime | 91 minutes |
| Genre | Animation, comedy |
Even monsters need a vacation
Hotel Transylvania starts off in the late 1800′s. That’s when Dracula first begins to build a hotel far away from humans. He’s building the hotel to protect his daughter (Mavis) and other monsters from humans, who killed his wife. During the prologue, we also see that Dracula is a loving father who loves to dote on his daughter. The story then flashes forward to present time. Hotel Transylvania has been built and it’s now Mavis’ 118th birthday. That’s when a human, Jonathan, unexpectedly shows up at the castle. Dracula doesn’t want to freak out the other monsters, who are scared of humans, so he disguises the boy to look like Frankenstein.
Some adult humor
Most of the gags are aimed at children. However, there are a few jokes adults will get that kids won’t understand (nothing nasty). One of my favorite gags involves Dracula leading two flying objects on a chase of the human. Dracula, with his black outfit, looked very much like Darth Vader leading two TIE fighters in a chase of Luke Skywalker, who was attempting to destroy the Death Star in Star Wars (A New Hope).
Nice soundtrack
I loved the music and songs in Hotel Transylvania. Unfortunately, most of the songs are short. And as far as I can tell, there isn’t a soundtrack for the film (I couldn’t find it on Amazon). What a shame. Some of the lyrics are very clever in a twisted way.
It’s a little like Monster, Inc.
Hotel Transylvania is a bit predictable. At times, the movie reminded me of Monsters, Inc. In addition, you could tell the boy and girl would fall for each. And like many stories like this one, the overprotective father ruins the romance, but then he saves the day and everyone lives happily ever after. But with an entertaining movie like this, it really doesn’t matter if the story is a little predictable.
Hotel Transylvania
During the movie, I didn’t recognize any of the voices of the cast. In my opinion, it’s a good sign when the story is so entertaining that you’re not paying attention to the voices behind the characters. In case you’re wondering, Hotel Transylvania features the voices of Adam Sandler (Dracula), Andy Samberg (Jonathan the human), Selena Gomez (Mavis, Dracula’s daughter), Kevin James (Frankenstein), Fran Drescher (Eunice), Steve Buscemi (Wayne), Molly Shannon (Wanda), David Spade (Griffin), CeeLo Green (Murray), Jon Lovitz (Quasimodo), Brian George (Suit of Armor), Luenell (Shrunken Heads), Brian Stack (Pilot), Chris Parnell (Fly), and Jackie Sandler (Martha). The film was directed by Genndy Tartakovsky.
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45 Comments
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I like that you rated it for children appropriateness. I was a little concerned when I watched the previews because I didn’t know what to expect. Sometimes the kids movies cross a line.
I can not wait to see this, too funny. Thanks for sharing your review.
Liked the review. I think my nephew will love this movie.
My kids can’t wait to see this.
I love any “kids” movie that has adult humor. Makes it even funnier for us!
Oh good, can’t wait to see it.
I think I would wait for my kids to be a lil bit older to watch this. :)
This movie sounds great, perfect for the halloween season.
Can’t wait to see this movie! I loved the trailer
We just came from watching the 7:30 showing, oh I loved it..it was the best animated movie I have ever seen, so funny and I would buy this and enjoy it year after year. I noticed Kevin James voice and I had not even read to see who the stars were besides Adam Sandler who was well advertised in it prior too.
I recommend it to it anyone, loved the music in it to
sewitupjulie@gmail.com
cool movie
Sounds like a good movie- I think my 11 year old nephew would like to see it.
this sounds great. i love family movies. I thought the plot was very cute. I like that it has something for everyone. i lovelove monsters inc and im ok with a predictable ending. thank you for the breakdown of the movie!
I love movies like this. I will probably wait for it to go to DVD, though.
Thanks for the review, I wasn’t sure if I’d go watch it or wait for it to come out on DVD, I’ll go watch it since it does sound like an entertaining film!
I’d enjoy watching this with the grand kids – looks good!
Great review! I’ve heard wonderful things about this movie!
Good cast of voices, previews look fantastic I am defenitly going to see this with my boyl
graywolfpack5@yahoo.com
Great review. I have been seeing the previews for it, and I really want to see it.
Love the review it looks like such a funny movie. I can’t wait to see it
I’m looking forward to seeing this movie. I’m glad you and the kids liked it.
Great review! I love how you broke it down. I am hoping to see this movie next weekend.
It looks hilarious! Both my kiddos want to see it!
Can’t wait to see it.
I really would like to see this movie, great review
Great review. I wasn’t sure if I wanted to see it but now I think that I might take my kids to see it.
I can not wait to see this!! I had planned to go on opening day, but have been busy. Maybe next week…
Excellent review. My grandsons saw this and loved it. They said it was so funny. I’ll be sure to watch it when it comes out on dvd.
looks great
This movie looks awesome! I cant wait to see it with my kids, thanks for the review.
Looks like a fun film. Thanks for the review.
Great review! We just saw Hotel Transylvania last weekend and our whole family loved it!
Sounds great, I wasn’t sure if it would be too scary for small children or not.
I love animated movies and will definitely have to check this out with my son he loves them too :)
Happy to hear you didn’t recognize the voices. I find it real;ly distracting when I can’t forget the celebrity I’m listening to.
Yeah, most Halloween movies for kids are fairly predictable. Nice review.
It looks like a nice Halloween movie to take children to- many kids don’t trick or treat except at malls etc and this would be a nice thing to do !
should be a big hit and the animation rocks!
ardy22 at earthlink dot net
Nice review. Kids movies are for adults too.
Thanks for the review I can’t wait to go see this with the kids!
don’t care how old i get, i’ll still look forward to seeing movies like this
I cant wait to see this movie… And I am almost 40! LOL
Oh wow, did not know Sandler was Dracula. This looks so interesting and am planning to take my daughter to see it! You’re right, when you’re not even thinking about the voices, you know it’s a great movie that is holding your attention.
Glad to get a parents view on the movie, I think we’ll be seeing it soon
My son is in his 20′s now but we still love to watch all of the animated films together. This one sounds right up our alley and I’m adding it to our list of must see. Thanks.